Mario Mitaj: Genoa in talks to sign Al-Ittihad full-back on loan from Saudi Pro League champions

Genoa are in advanced negotiations to sign Al-Ittihad’s Albanian full-back Mario Mitaj on loan, with an option to buy, according to reports in Saudi Arabia.

The 23-year-old, who has become a key figure for the Jeddah club since arriving from Lokomotiv Moscow, is understood to be close to a move to Serie A in the current summer transfer window.

Saudi sports daily Al-Riyadiyah reports that Genoa have entered formal talks with Al-Ittihad over a season-long loan deal for Mitaj, with a clause that would allow the Italian side to make the transfer permanent at the end of the campaign.

Both clubs are currently working to finalise the details of the agreement in order to complete the transfer before the end of the window.

Loan move with purchase option

The proposed deal would initially see Mitaj join Genoa on a one-year loan, giving the Ligurian club the chance to assess him in Serie A before deciding whether to trigger the purchase option.

The structure of the move reflects a growing pattern of Italian clubs targeting emerging talents from outside Europe’s traditional top five leagues, particularly from the fast-developing Saudi Pro League.

No figures have been disclosed in the reports, and neither Genoa nor Al-Ittihad have issued an official statement on the negotiations.

Rapid rise at Al-Ittihad

Mitaj joined Al-Ittihad in the summer of 2024 from Russian side Lokomotiv Moscow and quickly established himself as a first-team regular.

Under the guidance of two high-profile coaches – Frenchman Laurent Blanc and Portuguese manager Sergio Conceicao – the Albanian defender was able to secure a consistent place in the starting XI.

Since his arrival at Al-Ittihad’s home ground, known as Al-Namaa Stadium in the report, the left-back has played 58 matches in all competitions. Over that period, he has scored two goals and provided six assists.

Mitaj also played a role in one of the club’s most successful recent seasons, helping Al-Ittihad clinch a domestic double: the Saudi Pro League title (Roshn Saudi League) and the King’s Cup in the season before last.

European return on the cards

A move to Genoa would mark a return to European football for Mitaj and offer him the opportunity to test himself in one of the continent’s most tactical leagues.

For Genoa, the deal would represent a relatively low-risk addition to their defensive options, with the option-to-buy mechanism allowing flexibility in long-term planning.

Should the agreement be concluded, Mitaj would follow a growing number of players using Saudi Arabia’s top flight as a springboard for moves into or back into Europe’s leading competitions.

Talks between Genoa and Al-Ittihad are expected to continue in the coming days as both sides push to reach a final agreement and complete the transfer before the close of the ongoing summer market.